Experience Hendrix/Legacy

A week away from the release of Electric Ladyland and clearly at their peak, the Jimi Hendrix Experience settled into San Francisco’s Winterland for three nights of music. Culled from performances on Oct. 10, 11 and 12 of 1968, these four discs (which also boasts a Hendrix interview from Boston) find Jimi Hendrix, bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell, running through 18 songs, including a number of covers. Howlin’ Wolf’s “Killing Floor,” featuring the Jefferson Airplane’s Jack Casady on bass, is a searing romp, while “Sunshine of Your Love” pushes well beyond Cream’s original vision. “Wild Thing” never sounded heavier, “Hey Joe” is sinisterly stunning in execution and Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” adopts a punchy, soulful persona.

But Hendrix’s original compositions pack the most punch. Pushed to the limits, songs are forceful, intense and driving, the one exception being the slow, beautiful magic of “Little Wing” – a complete wobbly octave-straining solo. Both versions of “Are You Experienced” feature lengthy, exasperated solos that carry the song to new heights while “Manic Depression,” “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return),” “Purple Haze” and “Spanish Castle Magic” shred the heavens. Despite some song overlap, no two sound the same.

At one point, Hendrix tells the crowd that he kept the volume down to protect listener’s ears. Through all the glorious feedback, overdrive, sonic explorations and unexpected thunderous forays – including juicy intros and two riveting examples of the “Star-Spangled Banner” – that’s hard to believe.